On our recent World Challenge expedition to Cambodia, our group of enthusiastic students set out on an unforgettable journey, combining wildlife conservation efforts, temple exploration, and jungle trekking.
The first part of the adventure led us on a three-day trek through the Kulen Jungle. The terrain was often difficult and the students displayed excellent resilience and determination through the trek. As well as this, the students displayed exceptional leadership skills and team work by navigating the team and looking out for each other on what was a tough trek.
No trip to Cambodia is complete without a visit to Angkor Wat. After an early wake up, we watched the beautiful sunrise over the temple. Our local guide then took us on an exploration of the ancient ruins, sharing tales of the history as we took in the beautiful architecture.
The next part of our journey was to the Elephant Valley Project (EVP), nestled in Mondulkiri Province. Founded in 2006, EVP aims to support and provide care for the elephants and spread awareness of the dangers these animals can face, including the threat of tourism along with poaching. The team witnessed the magic of rescued Asian elephants roaming freely across 1,500 hectares of protected forest. No rides, no tricks, just elephants.
Next, we visited ‘Free the Bears’, an organisation dedicated to saving bears from captivity and illegal wildlife trade. We met a few of the rescued sun bears and moon bears within the sanctuary and then supported in the preparation of feeding time. Our group created a small production line team, helping to prepare their delicious delicacy including fruits, vegetables and a spoonful of strawberry jam!
The final part of an expedition was a visit back in time to one of the darkest periods in Cambodia’s history: The Killing Fields. We firstly visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, previously known as S-21 Prison. This was an emotionally difficult experience for the students, but one that is important to visit to learn from history and honour those who suffered. The students met two of the survivors from the genocide and displayed maturity and empathy around such a harrowing subject. Our guide then took us to the main field, which again, was a difficult site to witness as the fields stretched out before us, once the site of unimaginable brutality.
Vicki Plested, World Challenge Leader, said: “Our journey through Cambodia was indeed an adventure. So far away from home, the students supported each other brilliantly and I’m so proud of all that they achieved. Not only have they returned home with newfound appreciation for wildlife, cultural heritage, and the importance of responsible travel, but also the students have gained significant life skills that I am sure they will take into their future and outside of the classroom.”
